The pastoral dimension of ecumenism; new challenges for the Eastern Catholic Churches

Abstract

The ecumenical journey that the Catholic Church undertakes with its sister Orthodox churches requires constant collaboration, from which unprecedented ways,
such as pastoral ecumenism, can also take shape. In this journey, the Eastern Catholic churches in particular are called upon to perform a valuable task. The acquisition of the heritage shared with the non-Catholic Eastern Churches has allowed them to mature a sensitivity and a communicative approach that proves to be a precious tool in the ecumenical journey, where the theological dialogue is accompanied by a territorial and historical sharing. The document of the International Joint Commission for Theological Dialogue between the Catholic Church and the Oriental Orthodox Churches, pre-Chalcedonian, allows us to present a brief historical overview of the different Churches
involved, in highlighting the role and work to which these Eastern Catholic Churches are called, for a fruitful journey of unity